House passes measure to help sexual assault victims who were driven from military

A measure designed to aid victims of sexual assault who were driven from the military on grounds of an alleged mental disorder was passed by the House of Representatives Wednesday.

The amendment to the 2014 defense spending bill, proposed by Rep. Jackie Speier, a Democrat from California, speaks directly to an issue highlighted in the San Antonio Express-News’ investigative report, “Twice Betrayed.”

That report disclosed the frequent dismissal from military service of those who report sexual assaults — often on the basis of bogus psychological evaluations.

The amendment, passed on a voice vote, would provide funds “to identify individuals who were separated from the military on the grounds of a disorder subsequent to reporting a sexual assault and, if appropriate, correcting their record.”

Another amendment sponsored by Speier, also passed by voice vote, provides $10 million in additional funding to increase training for sexual-assault investigators.